EDITION 10 Thursday 25th

19 - 21 Victoria Road Narre Warren, 3805 Phone: 9704 4800 Fax: 9796 6298

TERM DATES 2015

Term 3: 13th July - 18th Sept

Term 4: 5th Oct -

18th Dec

CURRICULUM DAYS

August To Be Advised

Fri Dec 18th

JUNE 26th CLOSING DATE FOR

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CSEF) APPLICATION

JULY 22nd Art Show

Hi Everyone,

This last week of term has been both exciting and fun with many end of term activities, excursions and celebrations. My particular favourite was our pyjama day on Monday which saw me in the office in my PJ’s, dressing gown and slippers. I have never been so comfortable at work, BUT I really felt like I should be having a snooze by mid- afternoon. The students really found it very amusing to be at school in their pyjamas too!

In Australia, our influenza 'flu' season typically runs from May to October, usually peaking in August.

It is just not possible to stop all bugs from spreading at school, however, a lot of illnesses can be prevented and controlled simply by practicing good hygiene. Handy hygiene tips for you and your family

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

• Throw used tissues in plastic-lined rubbish bins

• Wash your hands with soap and water, preferably warm water if available

• Reduce the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Further information on influenza is available at the Better Health Channel, see: Better Health Channel Flu Influenza

What can you do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?

The four main ways of preventing the spread of infection are: 1. Remind your child of effective hygiene methods.

2. Keep your child home when they are unwell. Your doctor will let you know if your child has an 'excludable' condition. You will need to advise the school as soon as possible and keep your child home for the length of time that your doctor advises.

PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS FINISH AT 2 P.M. LAST DAY OF TERM 2 (Fri 26th)

All these students were lucky treasure winners because they have been obeying our school rules.

Daniel Transition, Curtis Room 19, Ikram Room 16, Chelsea Transition, Daniel Room 26.

PARKING IN SCHOOL GROUNDS

P arents are reminded that inside the school grounds parking is available ONLY in designated bays. 5 minute

parking is available at the front of the admin building for student drop off and pick up but NOT between the times of 8:20 a.m.- 9:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. These are

the times our school buses are dropping off and picking up students and cars parking in the area make this process lengthy and dangerous. Your co -operation in this matter is appreciated.

BUS TRANSPORT REMINDER

P arents are reminded that any ongoing changes to students’ travel arrangements should be organised

through the school and not through the bus staff. Daily absences can be phoned directly to the bus in the mornings but other changes should initially be made through the school.

We need to know :

- If you change your home address

- If someone other than a parent is meeting your child at the drop off point

- If your child is not travelling regularly on certain days

19-21 Victoria Road, Narre Warren 3805

Phone: 9704 4800

Fax: 9796 6298

Email: dandenong.valley.sds@edumail.vic.gov.au

Web: www.dandyvalley.vic.edu.au

Financial Assistance

Information for Parents

21st May 2015

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The Victorian government has announced the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), to ensure all eligible students are able to participate in school trips, camps and sporting activities and will assist eligible families to cover the costs of these activities.

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF.

The allowance will be paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student will be:

$125 for primary school students

$225 for secondary school students. How to Apply Complete the attached CSEF application form and provide a copy of your eligible concession card and return to the school office. Closing Date You should lodge a CSEF application form by 26 June 2015.

For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef or contact the School office.

Regards,

Sue Chernishoff

Principal

THE GREAT AFTERNOON TEA

Last Friday, Staff at Dandenong Valley held an afternoon tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

It was a wonderful, fun experience, and with donations and the proceeds from a silent auction we raised over $900. A great effort!!

Special thanks go to Tracey who was the driving force behind it all and spent many hours preparing decorations and soliciting donations for the auction. Thanks also to the parents who donated at the front office.

STAY SAFE at Dandenong Valley SDS

H ere at Dandenong Valley SDS, the safety of our students is always of paramount importance. With that in mind, we are developing a personal safety program for our students to complement the excellent work

already being done around the school.

Why teach personal safety to our students?

Children and young people need personal safety skills in order to respond safely to dangerous, upsetting or abusive situations before it becomes serious.

Students with disabilities may be more vulnerable for a variety of reasons:

• They may come into contact with a multiplicity of carers and care settings. Some are dependent on adults for their intimate care on a daily basis. This can make the task of distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate touching more difficult.

• Many students with disabilities have limited understanding of danger.

• Students with physical disabilities or a visual impairment may be at greater risk due to their lack of mobility.

• Some students with disabilities can be more vulnerable because they may not be able to communicate or their attempts at communicating may be misunderstood.

• Students with challenging behaviour may be at increased risk of physical abuse.

• Students with special needs may be over protected. This can result in passivity and compliance, and an over-reliance on adults for all their needs.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

◊ Self-knowledge – names of body parts and the changes that occur as we grow

◊ Self-awareness – understanding emotions; being able to communicate feelings

◊ Self-help – learning to do as much as possible independently

◊ Self-protection – understanding appropriate social interactions and support networks

Further details about this program will be provided in the future, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ring the school. (9704 4800)

T he first half of the year has seen some amazing things happening around the school to support our students’ communication. Here is a snap shot of what has been happening around the school.

Intensive Interaction

Intensive Interaction is used widely throughout the school as a communication style which engages our students who are learning to communicate socially. There’s nothing better seeing the expression on student’s faces when communicating with them using Intensive

Interaction.

PECS

Picture Exchange Communication System – used throughout the school to support our student’s expressive communication in all areas of the school. Many students are learning to comment or answer questions using PECS.

Play

Structured play has been happening around the school to support students developing communication, imagination, problem solving sequencing and a range of other skills. Always lots of FUN!!!

Talking Buttons

It has been great to see so many of our students taking their talking buttons to and from school to deliver their news to their families and peers.

Objects of Reference

These are used to support our students who have difficulty understanding symbols of their routine or transitions between activities and places.

Eye Gaze

Eye Gaze technology allows our students who are unable to access computer based activities in the traditional way to be an independent user. This provides them with the opportunity to access computer technology including games and educational programs using eye gaze….and they’re loving it!!!

Proloquo2Go

Speech generating software on an iPad – used by many students around the school to support their expressive communication in all areas of their learning curriculum.

This year the students in Room 25 have been shopping for

their cooking program ingredients. This week, we shopped for the items we needed to make toasted sandwiches. Christopher

found the bread and cheese, Zuhayr found the margarine, Haddon ordered the ham at the delicatessen and Minh Chau found the tomatoes.

Then the students placed all the items at the checkout ready to be paid for and carried the bags back to

school.

Term 2 Interschool Football

I n term 2, 11 students participated in interschool Football.

Well done to Chinedu, Nathan, Aidan, Connor, Hunter, Tahlia, William, Januka, Jaxon, Dylan and Paul.

We played against different schools for 7 weeks, then had a carnival day to finish the term. We had two wins over Port Philip SDS and one over the Eastern Rangers teams on carnival day. We played really well and came third overall on carnival day after playing some bigger and older opponents from Eastern Rangers and Yarra Rangers schools.

A big thank you to the parents and friends who came and watched during the term and on carnival day. The students loved having people there watching them play.

Good Afternoon, How Time Flies!!

There is now just ONE WEEK until school holidays.

Bookings for KIDS Crew School Holiday Program are in full swing. Don’t miss out on being a part of the amazing program we have on offer.

A reminder that we have Hip Hop Dancing, An Animal Farm, Music Day, Garden Day, Under The Sea and many many more activities occurring throughout the holidays.

Our holiday program is open to children between the ages of 5 and 18 years with an intellectual, cognitive, physical, psychiatric and / or acquired disability. Our model of staffing supports is higher than recommended ratios to facilitate maximum benefits for all children participating.

Across Melbourne there are several holiday program opportunities available for school aged children held at mainstream educational institutions.

CareChoice has learnt via disability specific industry networks, specialist schools, parent groups and service providers that there is a need for suitable programs available for children of all abilities.

This School Holidays CareChoice KIDS Crew have designed a program specifically around feedback from Parents, Schools and Disability Support Workers about their children’s needs and interests. Child Care Rebate (CCR) and Benefit (CCB) is accessible for the program to eligible parents.

We also accept Disability package funding or Fee for service. We have limited places left at KIDS Crew so jump in now to avoid disappointment. The dates and times of operation are listed below Term 2 Winter School Holidays 2015

Monday 29th June 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday 6th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Tuesday 30th June 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Tuesday 7th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Wednesday 1st July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Wednesday 8th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Thursday 2nd July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Thursday 9th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Friday 3rd July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Friday 10th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

22nd June

Dandenong Valley SDS

19-21 Victoria Road

Narre Warren, 3805

Dandenong Valley Parents Group

Term three Dandenong Valley Parents Group provides support for mums, dads, grandparents and

anyone caring for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition. Parents can share ideas and experience with others who understand the rewards and intensity of a caring role. A great opportunity to find out about community support, services and resources. And at the same time relax, have a chat and enjoy a cuppa.

VENUE: TIME:

BER building Mondays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (fortnightly)

20th JULY

NDIS Information Forum – speaker from Association with Children with a Disability

* Understand what we know so far about the NDIS

* Learn more about planning and preparation for the transition to the NDIS.

* Ask questions about how the NDIS will impact on your family

3rd AUGUST

Windermere Information session

* Windermere programs including Disability programs * Ways to link into local information for disability services in the local community * What potentially will NDIS look like? * Changes/restrictions in the local area of servicee

17th AUGUST

State Trustees

* Wills

* Powers of Attorneys

* Trustee Services

31st AUGUST

Carer’s Victoria workshop

“Can you hear me” Self Advocacy.

Prepare you self advocacy skills in preparation for the NDIS

14th SEPTEMBER

General catch-up session For enquiries call Lynne Wood

‘all welcome’

EDITION 10 Thursday 25th June 2015

19 - 21 Victoria Road Narre Warren, 3805 Phone: 9704 4800 Fax: 9796 6298 Principal: Sue Chernishoff

TERM DATES 2015 Term 3: 13th July - 18th Sept Term 4: 5th Oct - 18th Dec

CURRICULUM DAYS August To Be Advised Fri Dec 18th

JUNE 26th CLOSING DATE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CSEF) APPLICATION

JULY 22nd Art Show book fair

AUGUST 17th-21st Science Week 26th-28th Candlebark Farm camp

SEPTEMBER 1st- 4th Rumbug camp 11th Sandown Raceway

18th Footy Day

OCTOBER 26th Immunisations 11 a.m.

Hi Everyone,

This last week of term has been both exciting and fun with many end of term activities, excursions and celebrations. My particular favourite was our pyjama day on Monday which saw me in the office in my PJ’s, dressing gown and slippers. I have never been so comfortable at work, BUT I really felt like I should be having a snooze by mid- afternoon. The students really found it very amusing to be at school in their pyjamas too!

In Australia, our influenza 'flu' season typically runs from May to October, usually peaking in August.

It is just not possible to stop all bugs from spreading at school, however, a lot of illnesses can be prevented and controlled simply by practicing good hygiene. Handy hygiene tips for you and your family

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing • Throw used tissues in plastic-lined rubbish bins • Wash your hands with soap and water, preferably warm water if available • Reduce the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Further information on influenza is available at the Better Health Channel, see: Better Health Channel Flu Influenza

What can you do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?

The four main ways of preventing the spread of infection are: 1. Remind your child of effective hygiene methods.

2. Keep your child home when they are unwell. Your doctor will let you know if your child has an 'excludable' condition. You will need to advise the school as soon as possible and keep your child home for the length of time that your doctor advises.

3. Ensure your child's immunisations are up to date.

4. Keep your child home if they are unwell.

I really hope all our families enjoy the term break, stay warm and be good!

Cheers Sue.

PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS FINISH AT 2 P.M. LAST DAY OF TERM 2 (Fri 26th)

All these students were lucky treasure winners because they have been obeying our school rules.

Daniel Transition, Curtis Room 19, Ikram Room 16, Chelsea Transition, Daniel Room 26.

At the moment we are focusing on being responsible.

PARKING IN SCHOOL GROUNDS

P arents are reminded that inside the school grounds parking is available ONLY in designated bays. 5 minute

parking is available at the front of the admin building for student drop off and pick up but NOT between the times of 8:20 a.m.- 9:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. These are

the times our school buses are dropping off and picking up students and cars parking in the area make this process lengthy and dangerous. Your co -operation in this matter is appreciated.

BUS TRANSPORT REMINDER

P arents are reminded that any ongoing changes to students’ travel arrangements should be organised

through the school and not through the bus staff. Daily absences can be phoned directly to the bus in the mornings but other changes should initially be made through the school.

We need to know :

- If you change your home address

- If someone other than a parent is meeting your child at the drop off point

- If your child is not travelling regularly on certain days

Thank you

19-21 Victoria Road, Narre Warren 3805

Phone: 9704 4800

Fax: 9796 6298

Email: dandenong.valley.sds@edumail.vic.gov.au

Web: www.dandyvalley.vic.edu.au

Financial Assistance

Information for Parents

21st May 2015

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The Victorian government has announced the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), to ensure all eligible students are able to participate in school trips, camps and sporting activities and will assist eligible families to cover the costs of these activities.

School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF.

The allowance will be paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student will be:

$125 for primary school students

$225 for secondary school students. How to Apply Complete the attached CSEF application form and provide a copy of your eligible concession card and return to the school office. Closing Date You should lodge a CSEF application form by 26 June 2015.

For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef or contact the School office.

Regards,

Sue Chernishoff

Principal

THE GREAT AFTERNOON TEA

Last Friday, Staff at Dandenong Valley held an afternoon tea to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

It was a wonderful, fun experience, and with donations and the proceeds from a silent auction we raised over $900. A great effort!!

Special thanks go to Tracey who was the driving force behind it all and spent many hours preparing decorations and soliciting donations for the auction. Thanks also to the parents who donated at the front office.

STAY SAFE at Dandenong Valley SDS

H ere at Dandenong Valley SDS, the safety of our students is always of paramount importance. With that in mind, we are developing a personal safety program for our students to complement the excellent work

already being done around the school.

Why teach personal safety to our students?

Children and young people need personal safety skills in order to respond safely to dangerous, upsetting or abusive situations before it becomes serious.

Students with disabilities may be more vulnerable for a variety of reasons:

• They may come into contact with a multiplicity of carers and care settings. Some are dependent on adults for their intimate care on a daily basis. This can make the task of distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate touching more difficult.

• Many students with disabilities have limited understanding of danger.

• Students with physical disabilities or a visual impairment may be at greater risk due to their lack of mobility.

• Some students with disabilities can be more vulnerable because they may not be able to communicate or their attempts at communicating may be misunderstood.

• Students with challenging behaviour may be at increased risk of physical abuse.

• Students with special needs may be over protected. This can result in passivity and compliance, and an over-reliance on adults for all their needs.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

◊ Self-knowledge – names of body parts and the changes that occur as we grow

◊ Self-awareness – understanding emotions; being able to communicate feelings

◊ Self-help – learning to do as much as possible independently

◊ Self-protection – understanding appropriate social interactions and support networks

Further details about this program will be provided in the future, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ring the school. (9704 4800)

T he first half of the year has seen some amazing things happening around the school to support our students’ communication. Here is a snap shot of what has been happening around the school.

Intensive Interaction Intensive Interaction is used widely throughout the school as a communication style which engages our students who are learning to communicate socially. There’s nothing better seeing the expression on student’s faces when communicating with them using Intensive Interaction.

PECS Picture Exchange Communication System – used throughout the school to support our student’s expressive communication in all areas of the school. Many students are learning to comment or answer questions using PECS.

Play Structured play has been happening around the school to support students developing communication, imagination, problem solving sequencing and a range of other skills. Always lots of FUN!!!

Talking Buttons It has been great to see so many of our students taking their talking buttons to and from school to deliver their news to their families and peers.

Objects of Reference These are used to support our students who have difficulty understanding symbols of their routine or transitions between activities and places.

Eye Gaze Eye Gaze technology allows our students who are unable to access computer based activities in the traditional way to be an independent user. This provides them with the opportunity to access computer technology including games and educational programs using eye gaze….and they’re loving it!!!

Proloquo2Go Speech generating software on an iPad – used by many students around the school to support their expressive communication in all areas of their learning curriculum.

This year the students in Room 25 have been shopping for

their cooking program ingredients. This week, we shopped for the items we needed to make toasted sandwiches. Christopher

found the bread and cheese, Zuhayr found the margarine, Haddon ordered the ham at the delicatessen and Minh Chau found the tomatoes.

Then the students placed all the items at the checkout ready to be paid for and carried the bags back to

school.

Term 2 Interschool Football

I n term 2, 11 students participated in interschool Football.

Well done to Chinedu, Nathan, Aidan, Connor, Hunter, Tahlia, William, Januka, Jaxon, Dylan and Paul.

We played against different schools for 7 weeks, then had a carnival day to finish the term. We had two wins over Port Philip SDS and one over the Eastern Rangers teams on carnival day. We played really well and came third overall on carnival day after playing some bigger and older opponents from Eastern Rangers and Yarra Rangers schools.

A big thank you to the parents and friends who came and watched during the term and on carnival day. The students loved having people there watching them play.

Good Afternoon, How Time Flies!!

There is now just ONE WEEK until school holidays.

Bookings for KIDS Crew School Holiday Program are in full swing. Don’t miss out on being a part of the amazing program we have on offer.

A reminder that we have Hip Hop Dancing, An Animal Farm, Music Day, Garden Day, Under The Sea and many many more activities occurring throughout the holidays.

Our holiday program is open to children between the ages of 5 and 18 years with an intellectual, cognitive, physical, psychiatric and / or acquired disability. Our model of staffing supports is higher than recommended ratios to facilitate maximum benefits for all children participating.

Across Melbourne there are several holiday program opportunities available for school aged children held at mainstream educational institutions.

CareChoice has learnt via disability specific industry networks, specialist schools, parent groups and service providers that there is a need for suitable programs available for children of all abilities.

This School Holidays CareChoice KIDS Crew have designed a program specifically around feedback from Parents, Schools and Disability Support Workers about their children’s needs and interests. Child Care Rebate (CCR) and Benefit (CCB) is accessible for the program to eligible parents.

We also accept Disability package funding or Fee for service. We have limited places left at KIDS Crew so jump in now to avoid disappointment. The dates and times of operation are listed below Term 2 Winter School Holidays 2015

Monday 29th June 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday 6th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Tuesday 30th June 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Tuesday 7th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Wednesday 1st July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Wednesday 8th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Thursday 2nd July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Thursday 9th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

Friday 3rd July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Friday 10th July 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

For further information please do not hesitate to contact the program manager Sally Dinsdale on 1300 737 942 or sdinsdale@carechoice.net.au

Kind Regards,

Sally Dinsdale

Program Manager

CARECHOICE

Community Care Services

P: 1300 737 942 F: 1300 737 943

22nd June

Dandenong Valley SDS 19-21 Victoria Road Narre Warren, 3805

Dandenong Valley Parents Group

Term three Dandenong Valley Parents Group provides support for mums, dads, grandparents and

anyone caring for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition. Parents can share ideas and experience with others who understand the rewards and intensity of a caring role. A great opportunity to find out about community support, services and resources. And at the same time relax, have a chat and enjoy a cuppa.

VENUE: TIME:

BER building Mondays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (fortnightly)

20th JULY

NDIS Information Forum – speaker from Association with Children with a Disability

* Understand what we know so far about the NDIS * Learn more about planning and preparation for the transition to the NDIS. * Ask questions about how the NDIS will impact on your family

3rd AUGUST

Windermere Information session

* Windermere programs including Disability programs * Ways to link into local information for disability services in the local community * What potentially will NDIS look like? * Changes/restrictions in the local area of servicee

17th AUGUST

State Trustees

* Wills * Powers of Attorneys * Trustee Services

31st AUGUST

Carer’s Victoria workshop “Can you hear me” Self Advocacy. Prepare you self advocacy skills in preparation for the NDIS

14th SEPTEMBER

General catch-up session

For enquiries call Lynne Wood 0418 480 166

‘all welcome’

19-21 Victoria Road Narre Warren, 3805

W e would like to extend parents and friends of the school great offers throughout the year which can make their trips into the city more affordable. This June school

holiday, our school’s parents and friends can enjoy $2.00 flat rate evening and weekend parking and 50% off casual parking, so they can enjoy affordable holiday activities in the city. All you need to do is include the following information in your newsletter and other parent communications.

This School Holiday book your parking online with Secure Parking and save!

Simply head to www.secureparking.com.au and use Secure-A-Spot to book your parking in advance! You can enjoy $2.00 evening & weekend parking using the promo code: SCHOOLHOLS2 and 50% off casual weekday parking using the promo code: SCHOOLHOLS50.

W e would like to extend parents and friends of the school great offers throughout the year which can make their trips into the city more affordable. This June school

holiday, our school’s parents and friends can enjoy $2.00 flat rate evening and weekend parking and 50% off casual parking, so they can enjoy affordable holiday activities in the city. All you need to do is include the following information in your newsletter and other parent communications.

This School Holiday book your parking online with Secure Parking and save!

Simply head to www.secureparking.com.au and use Secure-A-Spot to book your parking in advance! You can enjoy $2.00 evening & weekend parking using the promo code: SCHOOLHOLS2 and 50% off casual weekday parking using the promo code: SCHOOLHOLS50.